Algerian researchers and PhD students

Algerian nationals are subject to a specific bilateral agreement

The movement, residence, and employment of Algerians in France are comprehensively governed by the Franco-Algerian Agreement of December 27, 1968 (as amended). They are therefore subject to a specific regime established by this agreement, which determines, among other things, the conditions for residence and the categories of residence certificates that may be issued to them.

As an Algerian national, you must apply for a residence certificate if you intend to stay in France for more than three months; depending on the circumstances, this certificate is valid for either one year or ten years.

Algerian scientists do not hold a "Talent – ​​Researcher" residence permit, but rather a "Scientist-Researcher" residence certificate.

Algerian nationals coming to France to conduct research or teach at the university level may obtain a one-year residence certificate marked "Scientist," provided they meet the conditions set out in the Franco-Algerian agreement.

• You must submit your residence permit application before your visa expires and within 2 months of your arrival, at the Prefecture of your place of residence:

Préfecture du Rhône: submit your application on the plateform "démarche numérique-1ère demande"
Préfecture de la Loire : book an appointment online

• If your file is complete, a receipt may be issued to you pending the processing of your application.

Download the list of supporting documents - 1-year CRA application - professional immigration

• You will be informed by text message when your residence permit is ready.

The initial issuance of the Algerian residence permit bearing the "scientist" designation is free of charge.
To collect your permit from the prefecture, you may be required to book an appointment online:
Préfecture du Rhône : Book an online appointment to collect your residence permit
Prefecture de la Loire : To collect your residence permit, you can go to the Préfecture from Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. without an appointment except on Tuesdays. It will be given to you upon presentation of the text message informing you that your permit is ready, along with your identity documents.

If you are unsure about the steps to take, you can consult the Ulys portal.

If you are changing your status to "Scientist-Researcher" (for example, from a "student" residence permit), you must follow the same procedure as for a renewal.

The renewal application must be submitted within the timeframes set by the relevant prefecture. It is recommended to initiate this process in advance to avoid any interruption of rights.

• The renewal of the "Scientist-Researcher" residence certificate—like that of your spouse's residence certificate—is handled by the prefecture of your place of residence, within the timeframes specified by that office:

Préfecture du Rhône: submit your application on the plateform "démarche numérique-Renewal"
Préfecture de la Loire : book an appointment online

• Once you have submitted your application to the Prefecture, you may receive a renewal receipt if necessary.

Download the list of supporting documents - 1-year CRA application - professional immigration

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The tax provided for by the regulations in force must be paid when the residence certificate is issued.

Préfecture du Rhône: Book an appointment online to collect your residence permit
Prefecture de la Loire : To collect your residence permit, you can go to the Préfecture from Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. without an appointment except on Tuesdays. It will be given to you upon presentation of the text message informing you that your permit is ready, along with your identity documents.

If you have any doubts about the formalities to be completed, you can contact Espace Ulys.

For renewals, the application must be submitted within the timeframes specified by the relevant prefecture. It is recommended to initiate the process early to allow for the application to be processed before the certificate expires.

Upon completion of their research activities, Algerian nationals cannot apply for the "Job-seeking or Business Creation" (RECE) residence permit, as this permit is not provided for under the Franco-Algerian agreement. Depending on their situation, they may apply to renew their residence certificate or request a change of status on other grounds provided for by the agreement.

IF YOU ARE COMING TO FRANCE WITH YOUR ALGERIAN SPOUSE: your spouse must also apply for an Algerian residence certificate appropriate to their family situation.

The spouse of an Algerian national holding a residence certificate marked "scientist" must have entered France legally. A short-stay visa, for instance, can facilitate such legal entry.

• The spouse must submit an application for an Algerian residence certificate (CRA) bearing the mention "Spouse of a scientist." This application is to be submitted at the prefecture of their place of residence:

Préfecture du Rhône: submit your application on the plateform " démarches simplifiées":
- For a first application for a "scientist's spouse" residence permit: online procedure – initial application
- For a renewal application for a "scientist's spouse" residence permit: online renewal process
Préfecture de la Loire : book an appointment online

• Once the application has been submitted to the Prefecture, provided it is complete, a receipt may be issued to you pending the production of the residence certificate.

Download the list of supporting documents - 1-year CRA application - family immigration

• You will be informed by text message when your residence permit is ready.

To collect your residence permit at the Préfecture, you may be required to book an appointment online:
Préfecture du Rhône : Book an appointment online to collect your residence permit
Prefecture de la Loire : To collect your residence permit, you can go to the Préfecture from Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. without an appointment except on Tuesdays. It will be given to you upon presentation of the text message informing you that your permit is ready, along with your identity documents.

If you are unsure about the steps to take, you can consult the Ulys portal.

Procedures regarding the Algerian residence certificate bearing the "student" status are carried out in accordance with the arrangements specified by the relevant prefecture. For procedures falling under the ANEF system, the application is submitted online via the dedicated platform. This platform is distinct from the one used by prefectures for certain procedures related to Algerian residence certificates.

For more information about the formalities to be completed for holders of a “student” visa or residence permit (CRA): Students Welcome Desk FAQ 

To collect your residence permit at the Préfecture, you may be required to book an appointment online on the Préfecture website.

Prefecture du Rhône : Appointment booking procedure as outlined when you submit your request on the Démarche Numérique website

Prefecture de la Loire : To collect your residence permit, you can go to the Préfecture from Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. without an appointment except on Tuesdays. It will be given to you upon presentation of the text message informing you that your permit is ready, along with your identity documents (passport, previous residence permit, receipt).